Hundreds of Light

Beredith gestured for Alkoni to wait outside for her. A guardsman announced her as she entered the hall.

She glided to front of the throne's dais. And bowed curtly, "Your Majesties," the king was seated with his queen. They acknowledged her with a nod. The Eldermen of The Circle sat by the King's left. His Generals at his right. "He's here."

"Bring him in," The King said curtly. He was an handsome man. With gray at his temples and a beard that outlined his jaws. The queen was a rose in full bloom. With an overly pointed nose.

She gestured for a maid to bring Alkoni in.

She composed herself and prepared for the worst. Alkoni was a man she was yet to understand or describe. Besides that he's a legend in flesh.

Sooner, he sauntered in. No one announced his presence. He moved like a man sure of himself. Confident in his abilities. He was staring hard at the generals.

Did any of them threaten him? Or has he had a clash with them? she thought.

She wouldn't put it past him. His eyes tightened around the ones at the middle. Then he turned his gaze forward at the king.

He bowed and said, "Your Majesties," his voice was rich and warm. Queen Senah smiled at him.

Beredith frowned at her.

King Lonald sat more upright and announced, "Generals, you're dismissed." They didn't look happy about it. They must be curious who Alkoni was. The maids in yellow and white left as well.

"So… this is the… Variant. I expected more. Bearded and more muscular," King Lonald said to the Eldermen.

"I think he's fine just the way he is," Queen Senah said, smiling. What's her problem?

Alkoni studied them quietly. They were speaking about him as if he weren't there. "What's your name young man?"

"Alkoni. Just Alkoni."

"Hmm… you're Edenian, correct?"

Alkoni hesitated, "Actually, I'm not. My mother was though. My father was Meerlinin."

Queen Senah touched her chest, "You speak of them in the past tense. They are dead? My condolences."

Right. She knew next to nothing about him. Perhaps she could ask him out for dinner.

"The crown is led to believe you are a Variant. Do you have anything to support this claim? I've read about your kind. Having Presences that can make the normal man pass out. Well?" King Lonald said in a demanding tone.

Alkoni smirked, "Don't believe everything you read, your Majesty. If you want a demonstration, I can give you one. I'm sure the Eldermen are curious as well."

It was sudden. His Presence enveloped the entire hall.

Alkoni harnessed hundreds of balls of light around the hall. The shadows around him seemed to grow sharper and bigger. Maybe it was her imagination.

A small flower floated out his coat. He smiled at Queen Senah. He stretched the flower towards her. It bloomed brighter and bigger by the time it landed on her palms. She held it reverently.

He glanced at King Lonald, "I can give a private demonstration if your Majesties wish it."

He is quite the showman. The Eldermen would want to his battle harnessing.

King Lonald waved a dismissive hand, "That won't be necessary."

"So do you swear to fight for Eden and the crown?"

"The Crown?" Alkoni said incredulously. "Your Majesty, I am not your subject. My situation is more of a sword-for-hire. Fighting in your war to the west in exchange for the charges against me dropped." He murmured something under his breath. "Ill give an oath to fight now. So long as you don't expect me to come to your aid in the future like every other subject."

King Lonald looked at him thoughtfully, "Very well. The oath won't be … necessary. But I'll hold you to your word Variant. Anything else The Eldermen would want to ask of him?"

Elderman Sagie rose, "Yes. A small audience with him and the Elders."

"Very well," King Lonald waved his hand. "You may all leave." Elder Sagie bowed slightly. The other Elders bowed to leave.

Beredith went and took Alkoni by the arm. "Don't worry. It'll be quick."

"It better be."

She cocked an eyebrow at him. He didn't seem to notice.

Shortly they were at a smaller hall. A hall with seats around a podium at it's center. Beredith motioned for Alkoni to seat near her.

Ten of the Elders in Eden were present. Her father Head of House Erenflair was absent.

"So, young Variant, the Elders will like to inform you of the dangers of this war we fight. The monsters we face and their abilities and also access the extent of your abilities," Elder Sagie said. Alkoni was staring hard at him.

Alkoni nodded impatiently, "Get on with it."

One of the elders harnessed air and brought him sheets of paper. Those would contain monsters in Ian's army. He looked at the drawing impassively. He paused on the drawing of a Suppresser.

He gave a side glance, "It says this one blocks an Harnesser from releasing his Presence?"

Beredith nodded. "Yes it does. But they are not common on the battlefield. Mostly used as assassins. Or low profile attacks."

"Your demonstration with the King was good. Your harnessing was smooth. But we want to see what you can do on the battlefield."

Alkoni frowned at Elder Oben. "Here isn't a good place to show anything. I could bring it down on your heads." The end of his lips curved in a smile.

She did not doubt his abilities. He was confident in himself and she liked that. She just hoped he wasn't overconfident.

"If you are so bent on seeing what I can do. Take me to a battlefield. And I'll show you exactly what I can do." There was an edge to his tone.

Elder Sagie nodded. They all nodded in unison. "Excellent. The King has ordered Eden's third company to march for Fort Hanning in two days. Scouts reported that a large horde skirted around Stonehound and pushing for Eden."

Alkoni blinked. Surely he wasn't expecting that.

"Do well to ready yourself. Beredith will fill you in anything you need to know. You are dismissed." Alkoni stood immediately and stalked out of the hall. She almost ran after him.

"Elders. I do not think antagonizing him will do us any good."

"Worry not yourself about such things. He'll be fine. I'd like to know where he learned to Harness. I doubt he was self taught."

Beredith curtsied and left.

*******

Beredith left the palace and saw Alkoni storming out of the plaza. I thought he'd be far gone by now.

"Mind if I join you?" She asked behind him. He didn't appear startled. He must have sensed her. She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"I got lost. That palace is like a corn maze."

She hid a smile.

"You don't mind if we walk, do you?"

"Not at all."

"The Elders can be intolerable sometimes. Though that isn't something you're new to." He gave her a side glance.

"Sure."

Beredith held her hands in front of her as they walked to the Harnessers' mansion. "You said you're not Edenian. But you grew up in Horsford?"

He missed a step, then said amusingly, "I never told you that. You've been talking to Pendrick then. I only told him that to avoid a long conversation."

She waited for more.

"I grew up in the east. That should answer your question of how and why I learned to hide my Presence without a trace."

She touched her lips thoughtfully, "It still doesn't add up. I mean, you couldn't have taught your self that. And since Harnessers are outlaws in the eastern nations. Who taught you then?"

That amusing look was still on his face, "I grew up with Ashmen. Yes, they're not myths."

So that's why he's amused. He can't be serious. Even if it were true. Ashmen are savages. Close to it.

"So Ashmen have… Harnessers?" Her tone said what she thought of that.

He sighed, "I didn't expect you to believe. Some in the east don't believe they exist. It's unlikely you would. But fact remains fact, Beredith. Whether you choose to believe it or not."

She pursed her lips. He sounded serious. Was he trying to convince her?

"Did you ever hear about Ash Battle? The prince of Blandel led that attack."

More stories.

"If I remember correctly the crown of Blandel denied that battle," she said, studying his expression. "I guess you'd say the shadow wolf was your teacher and the green maker was the King of the Ashmen." Beredith said, musing.

"Ashmen don't have kings. You are not taking this seriously," he said, rounding on her.

She raised an eyebrow at him, "And you are? Fine. Let's talk about something else."

He turned and kept walking, "Well, I only know your name. Nothing more."

She stopped herself from laughing, "I don't believe there's more after that. My name. But know this," she held his arm. "I want this war to end. Too many have died. I've also lost to this war. With your power, we could end this. We are here. Have a nice day, Alkoni." With that she left him at the gates of the Harnesser palace. She felt his eyes on her back. He might not understand the sentiment. She had lost her brother after all.

*******

Alkoni stood by the mouth of an alley. The hood of his dark green cloak hid his face. He had been observing Ebe's mansion. He did five rounds about the place. It wasn't that guarded.

The walls were painted a dark cream. With designs — unintentional handholds— around the building.

Five hours since he left Beredith. Her last words were particularly fierce. There was also a dangerous gleam in her eyes. She must have lost someone special to her. A lover, perhaps.

I want no part of their war, Alkoni thought. I came here for one thing only. Blood.

It was dark enough now. He moved slowly around the building. There were few people on this side of the street. He easily scaled the fence. His boots thudded softly.

He crouched to the wall of the house. The room at the first floor had lights on. He used the handholds and climbed, just the way the Ashmen did it.

By luck the windows were open. He shifted the curtains slightly and peered into the room. A woman in a night robe sat a small table with a pitcher of wine. She held a glass to her lips. He let his legs drop into the room. She was alone. For now. Where was her husband?

Abruptly she turned around and met Alkoni's eyes. She wasn't frightened, neither was Alkoni. They both knew screaming would help no one.

"Where is he? Ebe?" He asked calmly and coldly.

She eyed him and looked resigned, "I knew they'd come for him. You are too late. He left for Hanning."

That lucky bastard.

"Please make it quick," she said softly, dark eyes fearful.

Alkoni stepped forward. She was quite pretty. Glossy black hair. "I'm not here for you, miss." She wasn't that older than him. Ebe looked weathered and way older at the grand hall.

She blinked in surprise. "Why? I mean… I thought you'd want to leave a message for him," she said, softly. What hold does Ebe have over her?

He felt like he should soothe her worries. "I don't know who you were expecting. But I'm not them. I assure you." Surprisingly it worked. She actually looked relieved. She even forced a small smile.

"You look tired. That should be enough wine for one night." He took the glass from her.

"You need rest." He guided her to her blankets.

She patted his hand, "I can't sleep. Please, stay."

Stay.

He shook his head. "I promise you this. No harm will come to you tonight. Sleep knowing that someone watches over you." She smiled weakly at him. He released his presence. And harnessed it to calm and warmth. He touched her with it, filled her with it.

Shortly after she dozed off. Alkoni stood up and left. He punched the window hinges. They creaked.

I guess I'm marching with Eden's army after all.

The next two days spirited away. He found himself riding along the Harnessers' entourage. Camp followers. No doubt they had eyes on him. He'd have preferred to ride among soldiers. He wished Lyla he could have seen Lyla.